i have the same problem! two girls 7 and 5.
we live right next door to my hubbys dad and his girlfriends kids come over and run around screaming and barbie gets really excited. they always want to pick her up and stuff and i try to remember they don't know better but is FRUSTRATING. for a long time i was avoiding them or making excuses until one day they came in when i wasnt home and left little foot prints as proof! i had it at that point i went sraight to their mother and they know now they have to CALL and ask and usually when they call and ask i say no that its too much for barbie. i had them over today and they sat really calmly on the couch with barbie and i was very impressed! so i'd say be straight forward with the mother and i'm sure things will work out!
good luck!
